Charlotte airport looks to buy neighborhood

Published: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:29 AM.

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Douglas International Airport is considering buying a nearby neighborhood of about 100 homes.

The airport is considering buying the 370 acres near its newest runway, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Many residents support the purchase because of the increased noise since the new runway opened in 2010. About 700 jets use the runway daily.

"It's not something we enjoy living with," said Clifton Perry, who has lived in the neighborhood 16 years.

"It's very difficult to do anything in the yard in terms of entertaining. Even watching television inside, downstairs is tough sometimes," Perry said.

Eight residents in the area have sued the city over the noise, which they say is hurting their propery values. A city purchase could resolve the legal actions, according to a memo from the city manager's office.

About three-quarters of the estimated $35 million cost would be eligible for federal reimbursement. The rest would come from passenger fees.

Aviation Director Jerry Orr says the airport needs the land for expansion.

Orr also says a new Norfolk Southern rail yard is opening just north of the neighborhood, and the rail yard needs more space for support functions. He says the new property eventually will be used for related businesses such as cargo and warehouses.

The facility is expected to turn Charlotte into an "inland port," making it easier and faster to transfer cargo between trains and trucks.

The airport also is planning a new, $160 million runway in between existing runways. Construction could start next year.

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CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Douglas International Airport is considering buying a nearby neighborhood of about 100 homes.

The airport is considering buying the 370 acres near its newest runway, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Many residents support the purchase because of the increased noise since the new runway opened in 2010. About 700 jets use the runway daily.

"It's not something we enjoy living with," said Clifton Perry, who has lived in the neighborhood 16 years.

"It's very difficult to do anything in the yard in terms of entertaining. Even watching television inside, downstairs is tough sometimes," Perry said.

Eight residents in the area have sued the city over the noise, which they say is hurting their propery values. A city purchase could resolve the legal actions, according to a memo from the city manager's office.

About three-quarters of the estimated $35 million cost would be eligible for federal reimbursement. The rest would come from passenger fees.

Aviation Director Jerry Orr says the airport needs the land for expansion.

Orr also says a new Norfolk Southern rail yard is opening just north of the neighborhood, and the rail yard needs more space for support functions. He says the new property eventually will be used for related businesses such as cargo and warehouses.

The facility is expected to turn Charlotte into an "inland port," making it easier and faster to transfer cargo between trains and trucks.

The airport also is planning a new, $160 million runway in between existing runways. Construction could start next year.